How to invest in space: A 4-step framework

Investment Due Diligence Unless you are an early-stage investor with a “spray and pray” strategy, due diligence is critical. Top 3 issues - founder and Board competence. - existing shareholder support and behaviour. - accurate financials. In case of doubt, avoid. Lessons - always do more DD. - if it’s heavy lifting get paid for the risk. - know when to quit. https://lnkd.in/egHYgUkg

Too often, the VC–startup relationship gets framed as a kind of “shark tank” battle: founders walk into the arena to entertain, convince, or survive in front of powerful investors. That narrative is not only unhealthy, but it’s misleading. The truth is: VCs need startups just as much as startups need VCs. They are not handing out gifts to the lucky few; they are building businesses together with entrepreneurial teams. That’s why I love this concept: instead of founders constantly pitching, investors will share their own focus areas, their investment theses, and the kinds of teams they want to work with. It’s a healthier, more balanced conversation about what each side brings to the table and how real partnerships are formed. Events like this help reframe the narrative from “merciful kings vs. desperate founders” to equals seeking alignment—and that’s exactly how innovation ecosystems should work. Way to go Business Vantaa Team! Lifeline Ventures Icebreaker.vc Superhero Capital Nordic Science Investments Voima Ventures Startup Refugees Finnish Startup Community (FSC) / Suomen Startup-yhteisö Mari Luukkainen Vendep Capital Helsinki Incubators Kiuas Sampo Accelerator Business Tampere

A high valuation can be misleading, setting unrealistic expectations for founders. Sustainable growth is key, and securing funds is just the beginning of a disciplined journey. This article offers essential insights on financial preparedness & smart negotiation. A must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs. https://ow.ly/cHbf50X7aEI

A high valuation can be misleading, setting unrealistic expectations for founders. Sustainable growth is key, and securing funds is just the beginning of a disciplined journey. This article offers essential insights on financial preparedness & smart negotiation. A must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs. https://ow.ly/jzCS50X6Lar

A high valuation can be misleading, setting unrealistic expectations for founders. Sustainable growth is key, and securing funds is just the beginning of a disciplined journey. This article offers essential insights on financial preparedness & smart negotiation. A must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs. https://ow.ly/OXXJ50X72Qj

In a recent Forbes article, “8 Things Angel Investors Really Look For When Investing in a Business,” Paul Feinstein shared his perspective on evaluating investment opportunities and the importance of asking the right questions early in the process.   As Paul explains, one of the first questions he poses to potential investment partners may seem unconventional: “How could your project fail?” The answers to this question often uncover critical insights and potential red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed.   Paul Feinstein full perspective on identifying and cultivating strong investment opportunities can be found in the Forbes article linked below. #AngelInvestors #InvestmentStrategy #NewBusiness https://lnkd.in/ghTVbxT5

Not all investors are created equal. The check size may look the same, but what follows can be wildly different. In this piece, Indelible Ventures’ Kevin Brockland breaks down the difference between hype chasers and thesis-driven investors — and why knowing which one you’re dealing with can make or break your startup. Founders: It’s not just about who writes the check, but who stays when things get tough.

Some investors have a thesis to guide their decisions, while others are driven by FOMO. For founders, telling the difference is key, as where the capital comes from can lead to wildly different outcomes. A hype-chaser can help drive short-term momentum, which is necessary in some circumstances. But for a startup that wants long-haul support, a thesis-driven VC may be the better option, even if they offer a lower valuation. https://lnkd.in/djauQkEi

Someone recently asked me: “What’s something VCs really look for when they underwrite an investment?” Could’ve said the usual suspects - founder–market fit, traction, TAM, cap-table hygiene etc... But I told him something I feel deeply about, and that isn’t talked about enough: Time in market. At the early stage, the question is - can the founder be “at it” for decades and still feel the same hunger? Hard to measure, but VCs can sense it. At growth stage, it’s - how long have they stayed alive? And how have those years compounded trust, judgment, and founder–market fit that no blitzscaled rival can buy? Founders who survive multiple cycles are real gold for VCs. Because cycles - especially down cycles - expose character. What was prioritised? How were people let go? What do those people say now? If a founder’s been through a near-death moment - ran out of cash, lost a key license, faced a regulatory shock - and turned it around, that’s not luck. Its resilience - an unfair advantage in venture. In the end, honestly, VCs don't just underwrite traction. They also underwrite time, character, and the will to endure. Because building through decades is about surviving long enough to deserve the 100x success. And VCs want to be a part of empires and legacies.

✨ How do you really know if a startup is worth investing in? Is it all about the numbers — or something deeper? In this short clip, Carmel Rafaeli, founder of The Table, shares a powerful insight on what shapes a strong investment thesis — and why the founder’s story, vision, and problem–solution fit often matter just as much as financials. If you’ve ever wondered how investors see potential before others do, this one’s for you. And if you’d like to go further and start learning the art (and science) of angel investing with real experts — you can now explore Thousand Faces Angel Investing Program. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dC3fWnrX #AngelInvesting #ImpactInvesting #FemaleFounders #InvestmentThesis #ThousandFaces